Eleanor Underwood Bruce

Eleanor U. Bruce, 85 of Bowling Green, FL, with residences in both Iva, SC and Tyrone, GA passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at AdventHealth Hospital in Sebring, FL.

Born August 18, 1937 in Malden, MA, she was the daughter of the late, LCDR Robert Underwood Gross, Sr, USCG-Retired and Dorothy Francis Jackson Gross. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Georgetta “Gigi” Gross and her daughter, Catherine Nana Bruce.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, CMSGT James William “Billy” Bruce, Jr, USAF-Retired; Brother DT1 Robert U Gross Jr, USN-Retired (partner Boni Williams) of Novato, CA; daughters CAPT Cindy Wilkerson, USN-Retired (husband Lee) of Bagdad, FL and Cheryl Jacobs (Tom Endfinger) of Newnan, GA; grandchildren Alicia Baker of Hampton, VA, Hannah Curtis (husband Lee) of El Paso, TX, Rachel Jacobs of Atlanta, GA, Noah Jacobs of Fayetteville, GA and Maria Wilkerson (partner Kieran Andrews) of New York, New York; great grandchildren Aiden Wilkerson of Bagdad FL, Liam Sikes of Hampton VA and Shepard and Thaddeus Curtis of El Paso, TX; numerous nieces and nephews all of whom she dearly loved.

Eleanor’s father was in the Coast Guard and she lived in several locations during her childhood. After her birth in Massachusetts, her family moved to Baltimore, MD (where her brother Bobby was born), then to Staten Island, New York followed by a move to the island of Kauai, Hawaii (where she went to elementary school barefoot!). They came back to the continental US and her father was stationed in New Orleans, LA, where her father retired from the Coast Guard. Then, the family moved to McComb, MS and finally settled in St. Petersburg, FL. It was there at the age of 17, that she met the love of her life, Billy, at a USO dance. They married two years later and she started her journey as an Air Force Wife. Their oldest daughter, Cindy, was born at MacDill AFB, FL and shortly after that, Billy was sent to Madrid, Spain and Eleanor moved to Iva SC while he was gone. After his return, they moved to Bunker Hill AFB (now Grissom AFB) where their daughters Cheryl and Cathy were born. In 1968, Billy was sent to Vietnam and Eleanor and the girls moved back to Iva, SC to be near family. After his return, the family moved to Plattsburg AFB, NY followed by a new assignment at Offutt AFB, NE where they lived until 1979. Billy ended his Air Force career with a move to Barksdale AFB where he retired in 1983. During all their military moves, Eleanor was able to remain employed with AT&T and retired in 1988 as a manager with 30 years of service. After their Air Force retirement, Billy and Eleanor moved to Georgia, first living in Warner Robbins and later in Tyrone GA where they remained 34 years. Eleanor became a true southern lady; her favorite meals were cheese grits with bacon for breakfast and fatback biscuits. She always opened her home to friends and family, making sure that everyone was well fed and entertained.

Eleanor spent her retirement enjoying many things such as travel, collecting, crafts, cooking, reading but most of all enjoying the company of her many friends. Eleanor and Billy were active members of various Corvair Clubs, Air Force squadrons and camping groups. They traveled the United States, to conventions, rallies and other events. They also flew Space A to several locations throughout the world and went on many cruises together. Eleanor had a prized Corvair convertible that won many awards (including Best of Show at the International conventions in Flagstaff, AZ and Peachtree City, GA) and she was very proud of that car. Billy and Eleanor become snowbirds in 1998, enjoying time every year in Key West and established a winter residence in Avion Palms, FL in 2000. That is where she was happiest, playing cards with friends, winning (sometimes!) at Bingo, enjoying live music and dancing, church on Sunday mornings, adventures with her group of lady friends and community meals with other residents of the park. Lady E was a big presence in the Avion Palms community and everyone will miss her smile and laugh. Wife/Mom/Grandma – you had such an impact on all of our lives, we love you so much and wish we had more time together. Rest in peace.

The family will receive friends Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10:00am–12:00pm, at Iva Community Wesleyan Church, 1906 Elberton Highway, Iva. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Rev. Bruce Wayne Evans and Rev. Jack Moore officiating. Burial will be in the Iva City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL  33870
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com